500 turn out for Dombrowski fundraiser

They were elbow to elbow February 17 at the Worcester Elks Club for the fundraiser in honor of Mike Dombrowski, who died of cancer four days earlier in his Salisbury Street home. About 500 people turned out for the event, which included raffles of dozens of prizes, music and food.

Dombrowski's longtime friend Steve Oberg said cars were parked on both sides of Mill Street nearly to Park Ave.

"It was beyond belief, an enormous success," Oberg said. "This was a tremendous sendoff for Mike, and a real celebration of his life. His family was just overwhelmed.

"We'd like to thank everyone involved. We spread the word, and people took care of themselves. Holden doesn't always show its sense of community on the outside, but it really shined that night."